Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesno Jackson.

Hi Jesno, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

My journey began in a modest family, where my passion for art was nurtured by the unwavering support of my parents. From a young age, my mom became my greatest inspiration, guiding me in honing my skills and encouraging me to participate in art competitions. My dad was my steadfast supporter, ensuring I had access to the best art materials, even bringing them from abroad. Their belief in my talent and dedication laid the foundation for my growth.

Over the past three decades, I’ve transformed that early passion into a thriving career. As the Founder and Chief Curator of Art4you Gallery, I’ve had the privilege of curating over 290 art exhibitions worldwide, from London to Singapore to India to UAE. My journey has been one of continuous learning, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Visual Arts, as well as accolades like being a Double Gold Medalist and holding the world record for the longest live painting in coffee.

Through hard work and resilience, including overcoming personal challenges as a cancer survivor, I’ve built a multifaceted career as a curator, writer, educator, and artist. Today, I’m proud to inspire others through seminars, workshops, and exhibitions, sharing my knowledge and passion for art and culture. This journey is a testament to the power of dedication, family support, and a deep love for creativity.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Not at all—it’s been a journey filled with challenges, but those struggles shaped who I am today. Coming from a normal family, I didn’t have access to extensive resources or networks in the art world. Building my career meant starting from scratch, working tirelessly to prove myself at every step.

One of the most profound challenges was being diagnosed with cancer. Facing a life-threatening illness while managing my personal and professional life tested my resilience in unimaginable ways. It was a time of immense physical and emotional struggle, but it also gave me a deeper perspective on life and my purpose.

Another challenge was navigating a highly competitive industry where opportunities often seemed limited for someone without a pre-established name. I had to work twice as hard to gain recognition, constantly learning and reinventing myself to stay relevant.

Despite these hurdles, I never let setbacks define me. My spouse Rengi’s and my son – Jenson’s unwavering belief in me was my anchor— they instilled in me the values of persistence and optimism. Today, looking back at my 30-year journey, I see those struggles as stepping stones that have made my successes even more meaningful.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

As both a professional and an artist, my work revolves around nurturing and promoting art and culture. I wear many hats—Curator, Writer, Fine Artist, Educator, Speaker, and Consultant—all unified by a passion for creativity and storytelling.

Professional Work: I’m the CEO, Founder and Chief Curator of Art4you Gallery, where I have had the privilege of curating over 290 plus exhibitions globally. My role involves working closely with artists, strategizing art programs, and fostering connections between art and its audience. I specialize in conceptualizing and curating exhibitions that highlight stories, emotions, and the cultural significance of art. Transitioning from artist to curator, I was able to play a pivotal role in shaping Art4you Gallery’s vision. Under my leadership, the gallery has hosted diverse exhibitions, supporting both self-taught and professional artists. My ability to identify and nurture untapped talent has made me a respected figure in the art community. I have also recognized for conceptualizing thematic exhibitions, including sustainability-focused events, international art fairs, and group shows that emphasize storytelling through art.

As an Artist: As an artist, I’m known for pushing creative boundaries. My most notable achievement is holding the world record for the longest live painting in coffee, a project that combines technique, endurance, and innovation. My artworks are often deeply personal, reflecting themes of spirituality, resilience, and transformation. To describe my master-style, one must look at me beyond the contemporary figurative and cubism-centric artworks and instead consider how my use of vibrant colors captures the rich variety and complexity of figures at commonplace times, such as love, music, friendship, joy, relationships, diversity, and melody. For my private and business clients, I have been concentrating more on my non-representational coffee paintings for the past 5years.

What Sets Me Apart: What sets me apart is my multifaceted approach. I bring together curatorial expertise, artistic practice, and a deep understanding of cultural storytelling. My ability to connect with artists and audiences alike creates experiences that are not just about viewing art but feeling it. Additionally, my academic rigor—holding a BFA and MVA with Double Gold Medals—and my passion for writing allow me to blend intellect with creativity in everything I do.

Proudest Moments: Being a Golden UAE Visa Holder, I am currently positioned as the Founder of Art4you Gallery and connected with various academic and development sector initiatives. I’m most proud of the moments when my work inspires others. Whether it’s helping emerging artists find their voice, sharing my story as a cancer survivor, or seeing my curated exhibitions resonate with audiences globally, each of these milestones fills me with gratitude. At the heart of everything I do is a mission to inspire, connect, and celebrate the transformative power of art and culture. That passion fuels me every day.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?

The most important quality that has contributed to my success is resilience. Life and career have presented numerous challenges—whether it was overcoming personal health battles like cancer, navigating a competitive industry, or starting from a humble background—but resilience has kept me moving forward.

This quality allows me to adapt, persevere, and turn setbacks into stepping stones. It’s paired with a deep sense of passion for art and culture, which drives me to constantly learn, grow, and innovate. Together, resilience and passion form the foundation of my journey, helping me achieve milestones and inspire others along the way.

I also value empathy and authenticity in my work. These qualities help me connect with artists and audiences on a deeper level, creating meaningful experiences and fostering genuine relationships. At the end of the day, staying true to my values and having the courage to rise above challenges are what define my success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.art4yougallery.com/meet-the-curator
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesnojackson/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jesno.rengi/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesnojackson
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jesnojackson1
• Yelp: https://www.instagram.com/art4ugallery_art/
• Other: https://jesnojackson.wixsite.com/jesnojackson/biography

Image Credits

Image Credits – Art4you / DXB24Live